Sunday, August 10, The US Navy Band - "The Cruisers"

7 p.m., Fort Hunter Park, east

As the U.S. Navy's premier contemporary music ensemble, "The Cruisers" feature seven of the Navy's most dynamic performers. The group takes its name from the Navy's versatile, flexible, multi-missioned ship - the Cruiser - and the members live up to their namesake by presenting a variety of music including classic rock, rhythm and blues, oldies from the 50s and 60s, Motown favorites, as well as today's top 40 hits. Free

1:30 - 3 p.m., meet at the Olewine Nature Center in Wildwood Park

Join volunteer Cara Martinez-Williams for a Sunday afternoon flower walk at Wildwood Park . Rose mallows on the North Boardwalk may be seen along with New York ironweed and great lobelia. Common ragweed, responsible for a great deal of allergic response, will be identified in many places along the trail. Free, pre-registration is not required.

Sunday, August 17, Bearfoot

7 p.m., Fort Hunter Park, east

Bearfoot - the name slyly nods to the wilds of their native Alaska -performs sophisticated, vital, deeply American music. Airy Northern ballads are tempered by back-alley Southern blues, while jazz stomp meets Appalachian breakdown, the whole fused with a signature sexy bluegrass passion. Boasting five distinctive lead voices, the group showcases a remarkable breadth of rich, original songs. This is a rare East-Coast appearance for this fiery young band. Free

10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., meet at the Olewine Nature Center in Wildwood Park

Maps tell us so much more than just which road to take. Girls will become familiar with different types of maps, learn to use a compass and trail markers, create their own mini-trail and navigate a course in the park using a compass. $10 per Scout (includes badge, payment must be received with registration. For more information call the nature center at (717) 221-0292.

Saturday, September 6:: Children's Story Time and Discovery Walk

10 - 11:30 a.m., meet at the Olewine Nature Center

This program is for pre-school to early elementary aged children and their parents. In the classroom of the Olewine Nature Center , children will listen to a story and learn about some of the animals that live at Wildwood. A discovery walk in the Sanctuary will follow the story. Free, pre-registration is not required.

Saturday, September 13: Boy Scouts-Webelos Forester Badge Workshop

10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Nature's monuments-we call them TREES- are a necessary and precious resource. Participants will discover the many products manufactured from wood that we use every day. We'll learn how to identify some of Pennsylvania 's native trees and plants and then take a walk to put your new skills to the test. Bring your own lunch and drink and wear appropriate shoes and clothing for weather conditions. $10 per Scout (includes badge), payment must be received with registration. For more information call the Olewine Nature Center at 221-0292.

Saturday, September 13: Fort Hunter Park Dauphin County Jazz Festival

1 - 9 p.m., Fort Hunter Park

Featuring Jazzy Soul Collective Tour including two Grammy Award winning artists Randy Muller and Gordon Chambers along with Jimmy Sommers, Angela Johnson, Andre Ward and headliner Mike Phillips. Featured special guest Orrin Evans & LUVPARK and local Dauphin County Jazz Band and youth groups. Some of Central Pennsylvania's top wineries and a fine assortment of delicious foods will be available for purchase. Bring a lawn chair, blanket and sun screen. Limited space available for 10' x 10' canopies along the perimeter of the audience. Sponsored by Pennsylvania Council of the Arts, PA Housing and Finance Agency, 92.7 Smooth Jazz, Central PA Friends of Jazz, Hershey Entertainment, Citizens Bank and the Dauphin County Parks and Recreation Department. Tickets are available at Dauphin County Parks and Recreation; Whitaker Center at 717-214-ARTS; Whitaker Center Box Office at 222 Market St., Harrisburg, www.whitakercenter.org ;, Mr. Mike's Records, 27 S. Third St., 234-3181. Advance tickets $20, at the gate $25, Children 17 and under free with adult supervision, no registration required

10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Nature's monuments-we call them TREES- are a necessary and precious resource. Participants will discover the many products manufactured from wood that we use every day. We'll learn how to identify some of Pennsylvania 's native trees and plants and then take a walk to put your new skills to the test. Bring your own lunch and drink and wear appropriate shoes and clothing for weather conditions. $10 per Scout (includes badge), payment must be received with registration. For more information call the Olewine Nature Center at 221-0292. Wildwood is a registered Monarch Waystation which has nectar plants that help fuel the long distance migration of these beautiful butterflies. Naturalists at Wildwood participate in Monarch Watch, a citizen science program that teaches volunteers how to catch, tag and release monarch butterflies. If the weather and the insects cooperate, we will be tagging monarchs this evening. Drop by to learn more about these incredible insects. Free, pre-registration is not required.

Weekdays, September 15 - October 5: Archaeological Excavation

10 a.m. - 3 p.m., weekdays only, Fort Hunter Mansion

Archaeologists from the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission will continue the excavation begun in the fall of 2006 to locate the remains of the original French and Indian War Fort Hunter. Weekdays, except for rain. Free, no registration required

3 - 6 p.m., meet in front of the Olewine Nature Center

Wildwood is a registered Monarch Waystation which has nectar plants that help fuel the long distance migration of these beautiful butterflies. Naturalists at Wildwood participate in Monarch Watch, a citizen science program that teaches volunteers how to catch, tag and release monarch butterflies. If the weather and the insects cooperate, we will be tagging monarchs this evening. Drop by to learn more about these incredible insects. Free, pre-registration is not required.

Saturday, September 20: End of Summer Bird Walk

8 - 10 a.m., meet at the Olewine Nature Center

The summer is almost over and the birds have finished raising their families. Young birds are in the trees and on the lake. Join us for this morning walk on the Delta Boardwalk where we will look for some of these fledglings and their parents. Free, pre-registration is not required. These walks are not appropriate for large groups.

Sunday, September 21: Fort Hunter Day

10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Fort Hunter Park

Fort Hunter Day is a free, outdoor, fall festival highlighting old-time ways of life along the Susquehanna River. Enjoy such favorites as hayrides, carriage rides, old-time children's games, children's crafts, demonstrations of 18^th and 19^th century life, pony rides, strolling musicians, Mansion tours, an arts and crafts show, and exhibits. The Susquehanna Folk Music Society will present local musicians playing a rich variety of live, American music on the Corncrib Stage throughout the day, concluding with the New Cumberland Town Band. Free, fee charged for Mansion tours, children's crafts and food, no registration required

Saturday, September 27, Rain Date Sunday, September 28: Petroglyph Canoe Trip

1- 6 p.m., meet at Pequea Boat Ramp

Join us for a beautiful fall paddle on the Susquehanna River below Safe Harbor Dam. With local petroglyph expert Paul Nevin as our guide, we will paddle to small islands to view ancient rock art. Sign-up today, space is extremely limited! Directions will be mailed to participants after payment is received PLEASE NOTE: Due to space limitations and other logistics all participants must use Dauphin County Parks & Recreation Canoes. $25 per person includes canoes, paddles, life jackets and guide, pre-registration is required. Call the Olewine Nature Center at 221-0292.

Saturday, September 27: Cub Scouts-Bears Weather Elective Workshop

10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., meet at the Olewine Nature Center

One of the best ways to prepare for a day is to know the weather forecast. In this workshop Bear Cub Scouts will learn not only how to read a thermometer, wind vane and barometer but will make their own instruments. This program also features understanding air pressure and precipitation, and we'll go outside to log the day's weather. Bring your own lunch and drink and wear appropriate shoes and clothing for weather conditions. $10 per Scout (includes badge), payment must be received with registration. For more information call the Olewine Nature Center at 221-0292.

Saturday, October 4: Nature's Fall Harvest

10 a.m. - 12 p.m., and the same class again from 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Discover a selection of natural foods found in Penn's Woods every autumn. Class and edible sampling will begin inside followed by an outside walk to discover edible, medicinal, and poisonous plants. Session includes plant identification tips, and collection and preparation techniques. Appropriate for ages 12 and up. Space is limited and a notebook may be helpful. $5 per person, pre-register by calling the Olewine Nature Center at 221-0292.

Sunday, October 5: Bird Migration Walk

9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m., meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Wildwood Park is a perfect stopover spot for migrating birds. This morning walk will begin at the Olewine Nature Center where we will explore the North Boardwalk for migrant bird species. Beginner and experienced participants welcome. Free, pre-registration required. Call 221-0292 to register. These walks are not appropriate for large groups.

Sunday, October 5: Pennsylvania Indians Festival

1-4 p.m., Fort Hunter Centennial Barn & nearby structures

Immerse your family in the daily life of Pennsylvania 's Native Americans before 1800. Over fifteen stations show aspects of hunting, types of food, music and housing. Learn how to use a hunting stick, atlatl or gourd rattle, watch pottery being created by open-air firing or try dancing. See fire making, beading and a wigwam. A food stand and a specialized museum shop will be available. (Pre-register for Special Scout Hour - ejohnson@dauphinc.org or call Elizabeth at 599-5188, ext. 2115.) $3 per person (ages 5 & under free, no registration required

Thursday, October 9: Second Mountain Hawk Watch Trip

8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., depart from the Olewine Nature Center

Second Mountain Hawk Watch is located on the Kittatinny Ridge between Fort Indiantown Gap and St. Anthony's Wilderness. This location is easily accessible for those hawk watchers who cannot make the strenuous hike up some of PA's steep ridges. Come witness the spectacular migration of hawks along one of Pennsylvania 's premier ridges. During the early part of October many species of hawks such as sharp-shinned hawks, Cooper's hawks, harriers, ospreys and American kestrels can be seen from the lookout. No hiking is required, bring a chair to sit in, dress for the weather, and bring your lunch and a beverage. $20 per person, pre-registration is required. Van space is limited. Register by calling the Olewine Nature Center at 221-0292. Registration deadline is September 30, 2008.

Saturday, October 11: Girl Scouts-Brownies Watching Wildlife Try-It Workshop

10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Scouts will discover which animals live in our neighborhoods and surrounding areas and learn how to find them. Fun activities to "tune-up" your wildlife hearing and sighting skills, along with exploring the complexity of animal language. The day includes a wildlife walk. Bring your own lunch and drink and wear appropriate shoes and clothing for weather conditions. $10 per Scout, payment must be received with registration. For more information call the Olewine Nature Center at 221-0292.

Sunday, October 12: Flower Walk-Goldenrods, Asters and Other Fall Surprises

1:30 - 3 p.m., meet and depart from the Olewine Nature Center .

Even with autumn in full swing, there is still an abundance of goldenrods and asters and maybe even a few surprises. A variety of seeds are present, some of which inspired a modern day product. Join volunteer Cara Martinez-Williams for this Sunday walk throughout the Sanctuary to find and identify flowers of the season. These walks are not appropriate for large groups. Free, pre-registration is not required.

Saturday, October 11: Lykens Glen Park Fall Festival

9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Lykens Glen Park

Enjoy craftsmen displaying their finest work and a variety of ethnic foods served by local organizations at this fall festival. Enjoy wagon rides, Pat Cusick Solo Act and Down to Earth Band. Free, rain or shine, n o registration required.

Wednesdays, Thursdays, October 15, 16, 22, 23, 29: Halloween at Fort Hunter

6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Fort Hunter Park

Enjoy an evening of Halloween fun as you sample four spooky activities in the historically haunted buildings at Fort Hunter . 1. Embark on a Spooky Scavenger Hunt where you'll creep in and out of Fort Hunter 's dark, old buildings gathering clues. 2. Try your hand at Pumpkin Carving; we provide the pumpkins, candles and carvers, you provide the creativity and leave with your own jack-o-lantern. 3. Be thrilled and chilled while listening to Spooky Stories told by the Susquehanna Story Teller's Guild amidst an eerie candlelit atmosphere in the Tavern House. 4. And board the hay wagon for an eerie Hayride through the darkness. The evening will conclude with refreshments. $10 per person, adults admitted free with children, all stations and activities are included. Pre-registration is required for groups and families. Register by calling Parks & Recreation at 599-5188 or by mail. Drop-ins are welcome.

Friday, October 17: Under the Hunter's Moon: An Evening with Poe

5:30-8:30 p.m., Fort Hunter Centennial Barn

Enjoy a haunting evening in the embrace of historic Fort Hunter at the Friends of Fort Hunter fundraiser featuring poetry and performances of Edgar Allan Poe by Gregory Ramsey, a seasonal array of adventurous food, wine and beer at stations catered by JDK Catering and a photography display of the Fort Hunter Cemetery by Bonnie O'Neal Neher. $125 and up, by invitation only, please call 599-5188, ext. 2116 for an invitation.

Saturday, October 18: Autumn Bird Walk

8 - 10 a.m., meet at the Lotus Lot (south parking lot near I-81 overpass)

Wildwood is a perfect stopover spot for migrating birds. This autumn, early morning walk will begin and end at the Lotus lot where we will explore the canal and lake from the Towpath Trail. Free, pre-registration is not required. These walks are not appropriate for large groups.

Monday, Tuesday, October 20, 21 (Rain Date: Wednesday, October 22):

Children's Magical Trail

6 or 7 p.m., meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Take a walk on the wild side and have a laugh as you meet some of Wildwood's talking wildlife. The evening will conclude around a campfire where the whole family can make s'mores. $8 per person, Pre-registration is required. Call the Olewine Nature Center at 221-0292.

Saturday, October 25: Girl Scouts-Juniors Parks Matter Badge Workshop

10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., meet at the Olewine Nature Center

This new addition to the Studio 2B Focus series addresses the need to protect and preserve our national parks as well as the need to care for the things we hold dear in our own communities. The hands-on activities in this program will give scouts the tools to make a personal difference in the environment around them. Bring your own lunch and drink and wear appropriate shoes and clothing for weather conditions. $15 per Scout (includes Charm), payment must be received with registration. For more information call the Olewine Nature Center at 221-0292.

Saturday, October 25: Out of the Ordinary Tales for Halloween

7 p.m., Fort Hunter Centennial Barn

Kinder, gentler Halloween stories appropriate for all family members. $3 adult, 1.50 children ($6.50 max. per family), no registration required

Saturday, November 1: Art in the Sanctuary for Children

Time-TBA; meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Children's book author and illustrator Wendy Plowman will teach nature writing and art to children during a one-day seminar. Please call after September 1 for more details. $10 per participant, pre-registration is required. Call the Olewine Nature Center at 221-0292.

Tuesday, November 4: Homeschoolers' Day

10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Centennial Barn and Mansion

Students in grades 2-6 and their parents are invited to explore how Indians once lived in the Fort Hunter/Harrisburg area. Students furnish a wigwam, make a piece of pottery and participate in storytelling. A guided tour of Fort Hunter Mansion invites students to learn about life in the 1800s, comparing the lives of the owners to the lives of Native Americans. By group reservation only (minimum reservation is for a group of 15 students.) $5 per students, $3 per adult, pre-registration is required. Email jrmcclintock@paonline.com for less than 15 children and call 599-5188, ext. 2116 to reserve for a group of 15 children or more.

Wednesday, November 19: "From Coney Island to Disneyland to Hersheypark: The Evolution of Amusement Parks and American Culture "

7 p.m., Fort Hunter Centennial Barn

Dr. John Haddad of Penn State Harrisburg will discuss the evolution of the amusement park from the early 20th century to the construction of Disneyland in the 1950s. His presentation will culminate with the reinvention of Hersheypark in the 1970s. He will also explore amusement parks' role in American society by focusing on what they tell us about ourselves - our values, our hopes, our dreams, and even our fears. Free, n o registration required

Saturday, November 15: Cub Scouts-Bears Sharing Your World with Wildlife Badge Workshop

10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., meet at the Olewine Nature Center

This workshop will focus on the need for us all to learn to live in harmony with wildlife and our environment and to acknowledge the purpose each living creature brings to life on this planet. Using hands-on activities, scouts will gain an understanding and appreciation of the "web of life" and how we, as humans, fit into it. Scouts will be given some ideas and practical ways to help the wildlife. A wildlife walk will conclude this program. $10 per Scout, payment must be received with registration. For more information call the Olewine Nature Center at 221-0292.

Saturdays, Sundays, Nov. 29 - Dec. 14: Kids Only Christmas Shop

12:30 - 4:30 p.m., Fort Hunter Centennial Barn

Assisted by Santa's helpers from the Friends of Fort Hunter, young shoppers 12 years old and under may do their holiday shopping, without the aid of parents. Tasteful, museum quality items are provided by Fort Hunter Mansion Museum Shop. All items are $10 and under. Purchases will be wrapped with the assistance of helper elves and a gift tag will be signed before the youngster leaves the shop. Proceeds support the work of the Friends of Fort Hunter. Free, parent or guardian must provide spending money, no registration required

Saturdays, Sundays, Nov. 29 - Dec.14: Annual Tree Display

12:30 - 4:30 p .m., Fort Hunter Tavern House

View Christmas trees decorated by local Garden Clubs of the Harrisburg Area Civic Garden Center using handmade ornaments. Trees are available for raffle and a selection of ornaments are for sale. Free, no registration required.

Saturdays, Sundays, Nov. 29 -Dec. 21: Toy Train Exhibit

12:30 - 4:30 p.m., Fort Hunter Centennial Barn

In the joy of simple things memories are made. The Keystone Model Railroad Historical Society returns to Fort Hunter with a display of HO gauge trains that travel over a large layout representing communities in Central PA. Free, no registration required

Saturday, November 22: Tellebration

7 p.m., Fort Hunter Centennial Barn

Storytelling that isn't just for kids, a worldwide storytelling event. $5 adults, no registration necessary.